Hi Aisha,

I'm Himanshi Dawra from DhanGuard.

Ajman Free Zone business setup can be a suitable option to explore for an import, storage and regional distribution business. The free zone offers warehouse facilities starting from 100 sq. m., with access to Ajman Port and nearby transport routes. Your final choice should depend on the volume of goods, storage requirements and whether you intend to sell in the UAE mainland or re-export internationally.

Here are answers to your questions.

1. What warehouse sizes and storage arrangements are available?

Ajman Free Zone offers pre-built warehouse facilities starting from approximately 100 sq. m., with options to explore larger or customised spaces depending on business requirements.

When selecting a warehouse, consider:

• Storage area and ceiling height.
• Loading and unloading access.
• Electricity and utility requirements.
• Fire safety and ventilation arrangements.
• Security and operating hours.
• Suitability for your household products.

The free zone also provides access to labour, forklifts and cleaning services at additional cost. Warehouse availability, rental terms and visa eligibility should be confirmed directly with Ajman Free Zone.

2. Can I import, store and re-export goods?

Yes. A company with the appropriate approved trading activities can generally import eligible goods into the free zone, store them and re-export them to other countries, subject to customs procedures and product-specific requirements.

You should ensure that:

• Your approved licence activities cover the products being traded.
• The company obtains the necessary customs registration or code.
• Commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin are available where required.
• Any applicable product conformity, safety or import approvals are obtained.

Goods re-exported from the free zone without entering the UAE mainland are generally not treated as mainland imports. However, the customs treatment should be checked for the specific goods and transaction.

3. What happens when goods move from Ajman Free Zone to the UAE mainland?

Moving goods from a free zone into the UAE mainland is generally treated as an import into the mainland customs territory. The applicable customs declaration and clearance procedures must be completed.

Depending on the goods and transaction, this may involve:

• Preparing the commercial invoice and packing list.
• Submitting the required customs declaration.
• Providing certificates of origin or product permits where applicable.
• Paying applicable customs duty and import VAT.
• Completing any required inspection or product approval procedures.

A free zone trading licence does not automatically permit unrestricted mainland distribution. You may need to supply through an appropriately licensed mainland distributor or use another permitted mainland arrangement.

4. Can I use a third-party logistics provider instead of leasing a warehouse?

You may be able to use a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, subject to your licence conditions, the provider's approvals and the applicable customs arrangements.

A 3PL provider can potentially handle:

• Receiving imported shipments.
• Inventory storage and stock management.
• Order picking, packing and labelling.
• Dispatch and transportation.
• Coordination with customs clearance agents.

This approach may reduce your initial investment in warehouse space, equipment and staff. Before choosing it, confirm with Ajman Free Zone that your proposed outsourced storage arrangement is permitted for your licensed activity.

5. What additional operational expenses should I budget for?

Apart from company formation and licensing, consider warehouse rent, utilities, cargo handling, customs clearance, transportation and product compliance expenses.

The following are indicative planning estimates. Actual charges depend on warehouse size, shipment volume, product category and service provider.

Note: Ajman Free Zone's published information confirms warehouse availability from 100 sq. m., but it does not provide a fixed rental price for every warehouse. The AED 38,000+ annual figure is a broad reference from a UAE free-zone cost guide, not a confirmed current Ajman Free Zone quotation. Obtain a written offer directly from the free zone before finalising your budget.

For mainland imports, also budget for applicable customs duty and VAT. A 5% customs duty is commonly applied to many imported goods, but the rate depends on the product's HS code, origin and any applicable exemption. Import VAT is generally 5%, subject to the relevant rules. These taxes should be calculated separately from the warehouse and handling expenses.

How Can DhanGuard Assist?

DhanGuard can help you evaluate Ajman Free Zone company formation and compare it with other UAE free zone company formation options.

You can also review our business setup packages to understand the available incorporation options.

For your business, I recommend estimating your monthly shipment volume, average inventory requirement and expected mainland versus international sales before choosing a warehouse. This will help you decide whether a dedicated facility or third-party logistics arrangement is more practical.

Best regards,
Himanshi Dawra
DhanGuard